Hello Folks,

Just back from the beautiful state of Vermont where I had an issue with my 2000 Taurus Wagon. The family decided we would like to climb Mt. Equinox to see the sights from up top. I began our ascent in overdrive but decided to downshift to regular drive "D" or second gear (there is also a "1" on my shifter but I did not use it) due to the steep grade. I was maxing out at about 3000 rpm and about 40 mph for an extended period of the drive up (probably not a good thing). As we approached the summit we detected a burning smell and saw smoke out the back maybe out of the exhaust? Upon reaching the summit and pulling into a parking spot I noticed a puddle of tranny fluid under the car and saw it spewing out from about the area of the pan. Now in shock, I let the car cool and noticed about 4 other cars with their hoods up spewing coolant and tranny fluid to varying degrees. We waited about 30 minutes to cool her down and began our descent. I then proceeded to a gas station where I filled it up with 1 quart of tranny fluid - that's all it needed. I detected no further leakage and the car ran like a top, as it was prior to the incident. Made it home, NYC, without any further incident. I am currently having the fluid and filter changed jin the event that what fluid is in there is cooked beyond usefulness.

So, is there a reason that my Taurus spewed the fluid? Was I pushing the limits of second gear at 3000 rpm and 40 mph? Should I have just left in in normal overdrive? Any thoughts or comments would be welcome.

Thanks,
Lou, NY

You overheated the trans quite badly. The best thing would have been to put it in 1 and go like 20mph.

I should add that it would be a good time for you to get a trans flush.

Thanks for the tip I did just that in case the rest of the remaining fluid got cooked. I had a tranny kit job done and there was no "tin foil" shavings in the pan and the remaining fluid was not so bad off. I think I dodged a bullet here as my waranty expires tomorrow!

Lou

When the trans fluid gets too hot, it tends to boil over.